spark plug service Page 44

Spark plug service is the unglamorous tune that keeps your engine firing like it means it.

Intervals vary: copper plugs ~20–30,000 km, platinum/iridium ~80–160,000 km, but heat, short trips, and turbos can pull that forward.

Watch for rough idle, misfires under load, hard starts, and tragic fuel economy—your wallet will notice before you do.

DIY is doable with the right socket, torque wrench, and patience, but cross‑thread an alloy head and you’ll invent new swear words.

Expect AUD $100–$400 for a typical 4‑ to 6‑cyl job at a workshop, more for V engines or plugs buried under intake spaghetti; coil packs extra.

Check your owner’s manual for the exact plug type, gap, and interval; consult official documentation for exact figures.